The price of amber is determined by the different life forms found in the stone. Insects, plants, flowers, etc. intact will increase the value of amber and these stones will command a high price. Usually, an amber necklace with, for example, a trapped dragonfly, will command a high price and enjoy great demand in the market.
Prices for these gems can vary depending on the clarity, color, polish, and size of the piece. The prices mentioned in this article are generally for gems of fairly good color and good clarity. Opaque pieces of amber can usually be purchased fairly cheap, as much as $0.10 to $1 per carat or less. For pieces around an inch in size and with insect inclusions, prices can range from $50 to $60. An average stone of a good size and with inclusions would cost around $195.
Good quality beads can also be purchased wholesale for as little as $15. Shapeless and uneven pieces without fossil inclusions ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches in size and weighing around 10 to 12 carats would cost between $30 and $40. Polished beads without inclusions of about 1 centimeter usually cost between $ 1 and $2 per carat.
Often times, this gem is heated to give it an antique or aged look. These pieces often cost less compared to a similar piece in the original color.
Amber pieces with unusual flora and fauna are a collector’s item. Fossils in this gem always add to its value and beauty. A pendant with inclusions is guaranteed a good price on the market. A carved ring also has a very high price in the market.
A significant difference is made in the price of amber depending on the period from which the amber comes from. The older the gemstone, the higher its price. However, it is not easy to identify the age of the stone. Most gemological laboratories also do not usually certify amber gemstones. The process of finding out the age of the amber stone involves identifying the inclusions present in the stone and estimating the period in which it existed.
There is some interesting news about a piece of Dominican amber with inclusions. Recently, such a piece with a large lizard trapped inside sold for $75,000. This figure really can’t give us an idea of how high the price of this gemstone can go.
In fact, the amount of history associated with amber jewelry would only serve to increase its market value. Similarly, antique jewelry or an insect pendant are highly valued in the market.
There are frequent attempts on the market to sell ‘simulant’ amber as genuine amber. Simulators of this gem include ambroid, copal resin, kauri gum, dammar, celluloid, and plastic. These simulants would normally cost a fraction of what a real stone costs.
Thus, we can see that the price of this gemstone mainly depends on factors such as age, inclusions, quality, and size.
